What Women Want

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2:17

What Women Want

PG-13

2000

2h 6m

Romance

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

53%

Tomatometer

122 Reviews

54%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson) gets a whole new outlook on life when a fluke accident gives him the ability to read women's minds. At first, this "gift" provides Nick with way too much information, but he begins to realize that he can use it to good effect, especially when it comes to outwitting his new boss, Darcy Maguire (Helen Hunt).

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Critics Consensus

Even though Gibson is a good sport in his role, What Women Want is a rather conventional, fluffy comedy-romance that doesn't make good use of its premise.

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Hillel Italie

Associated Press

Oct 25, 2018

There's nothing profound about the film, but it stays with you. After leaving the theater you'll find yourself turning an ear toward strangers and listening hard.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Dec 29, 2010

4/5

Gibson keeps this movie afloat.

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Steven D. Greydanus

Decent Films

May 8, 2002

C-

The women are basically innocent victims of male piggishness… The men are all cads.

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Rachel Wagner

Hallmarkies Podcast

Aug 1, 2024

I hate it

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Bianca Garner

In Their Own League

Feb 3, 2021

Just a bit of fluff that is perfect to watch while chilling out on the sofa.

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Andy Klein

Los Angeles CityBeat

Nov 12, 2008

English's attempts to fit The Women into a modern setting are intelligent, but that, unfortunately, does not suffice, because the film is so limp in so many other ways.

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Red I

@RT64971855 Aug 21, 2026

Prime Mel.. stupid movie, but it's so fun to watch.. he steals every scene.

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bruce F

@bruce999 Aug 4, 2026

an under-rated gem. i loved it. it's funny, and a nice script. try not to pass this one by.... it has emotion , which is good.

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Srgio N

@RT03383691 Jun 15, 2026

A very funny romantic comedy from the early, or not so early, 2000s, with all its gems and prejudices that are still little hated or little discussed in so-called modern society. Great performance by the always excellent Mel Gibson, as well as Helen Hunt. Super pleasant direction by the great Nancy Meyers. It's hard to imagine anyone not having seen it, but if you missed it, give it a chance.

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Elizabeth D

@RT62064577 May 7, 2026

Surprisingly touching, thought it was going to be a misogynistic trope of a misogynistic trope, but it ended up being sweeter than I expected and even teared up in the penultimate scene (won’t spoil!)

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Prim A

@RT40016115 May 2, 2026

Quite fun watch, it most definitely is a comfort film -I loved the personal growth in the main character. Although I wish there were more consequences for him for undermining Darcy. It felt very short-lived and rushed. But I would rewatch this

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Raymond D.

@raydiaz Nov 18, 2025

Not a Christmas movie but one I like to watch at Christmas time because I first saw it in the theater Christmas 2000. Stars Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt who have great chemistry together. Co-stars Marisa Tomei, Lauren Holly and Alan Alda. A self-centered, egotistical man gains the ability to hear women's thoughts after getting electrocuted and uses it to his advantage. A fun filled movie with fantasy and learning lessons as the backdrop.

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Nancy Meyers

Director

Mel Gibson

Nick Marshall

Helen Hunt

Darcy Maguire

Mark Feuerstein

Morgan

Lauren Holly

Gigi

Ashley Johnson

Alex

What Women Want: Official Clip - Confession and Profession

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What Women Want: Official Clip - The Brutal Truth

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What Women Want: Official Clip - Working Relationship

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What Women Want: Official Clip - Streams of Consciousness

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What Women Want: Official Clip - Imagine the Possibilities

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What Women Want: Official Clip - Back to Normal

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What Women Want: Trailer 1

2:17

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Synopsis

Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson) gets a whole new outlook on life when a fluke accident gives him the ability to read women's minds. At first, this "gift" provides Nick with way too much information, but he begins to realize that he can use it to good effect, especially when it comes to outwitting his new boss, Darcy Maguire (Helen Hunt).

Director: Nancy Meyers
Producer: Susan Cartsonis, Bruce Davey, Gina Matthews, Nancy Meyers
Screenwriter: Josh Goldsmith, Nancy Meyers, Cathy Yuspa
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures, Icon Entertainment International, Wind Dancer Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Sexual Content|Language)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 15, 2000, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $182.8M
Runtime: 2h 6m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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